Five US military aircraft and the first batch of United States troops arrived in north-east Nigeria ahead of a joint offensive against ISWAP terrorists in the region.

The New York Times reports that a US military aircraft touched down in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, on Thursday night.

By Friday evening, three aircraft were visible at the base, with equipment being offloaded from at least one of them.

According to Brant Philip, a counter-terrorism researcher and expert, the military aircraft touched down in air force bases across Nigeria’s northern region over the past few days.

On Tuesday, Reuters reported that the United States would send 200 troops to Nigeria to train the country’s military, as the West African nation battles insurgents across swathes of its territory.

A US official said the troops would supplement a handful of United States military personnel already on the ground in Nigeria.

The deployment follows an increased security partnership between both nations since US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over Christian genocide claims.

In a post on X, Philip shared that in furtherance of the security deal, six US Air Force cargo planes were deployed in West Africa over the past week.

Philip said one aircraft stopped in Ghana, with five proceeding to Nigeria.

He said a sixth aircraft arrived in Nigeria on Saturday and will likely follow the route towards the north-east.

Philip noted that one of the US planes, 1x C-17A, was deployed in the Kainji Airbase, while two others, 3x C-17A and 1x C-130J-30, flew to Maiduguri Airbase in Borno.

He said all of them left their respective bases on the same day they landed.

“Maiduguri Airbase will likely be the primary base of operations for supporting the Nigerian army against ISWAP,” the analyst said.

According to him, the Borno state capital is a critical location because the IS affiliate currently controls most of the rural areas in the state.

He said parts of the deliveries may include at least one or more MQ-9 Reaper drones, attack helicopters, and a large number of US troops.

The family of world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, has expressed deep concern over their inability to see the boxer following a tragic road accident on Monday along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

Speaking to journalists at the Sagamu family home in Ijokun on Tuesday, the boxer’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, described the news as a “rude shock” to the family.

He revealed that the family only learned of the accident after multiple calls from friends and well-wishers.

“Sincerely, the news that our son, Anthony Joshua, was involved in a fatal crash came to us as a rude shock,” he said. “We did not get to hear this terrible news on time until calls started coming in from people seeking confirmation. Anthony comes home three or four times a year, especially during the festive season, and it is usually a time to rejoice with family. This was completely unexpected.”

The uncle added that while the family has been in touch with Anthony Joshua’s parents—who are also in Nigeria—they have not been allowed to visit him at the undisclosed medical facility where he is receiving treatment.

“We are all eager to see him, even if only three of us are allowed, but we understand the need to protect him given his global status,” he said.

The crash claimed the lives of two of Joshua’s close friends and team members: Ayodele Kelvin Olu, 36, a Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina, 36, a British citizen.

Joshua’s uncle expressed sorrow for their deaths, offering prayers for the bereaved families.

“We are really sad that two people who were very close to Joshua did not survive. Our hearts are with their families and associates. We pray that the Lord gives them strength to bear this painful loss,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps said on Tuesday it was awaiting the outcome of a full technical investigation into the crash.

Preliminary assessments suggest excessive speed as a major factor.

FRSC spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, said the accident occurred around 12 noon near the Sinoma axis of Sagamu and involved a black Lexus SUV, registered KRD 850 HN, colliding with a stationary truck.

“When you look at the impact of that crash, it is clear that the vehicle was likely exceeding the speed limit,” Ogungbemide said. “Although there was no speed-measuring device at the exact point of impact, trained officers can infer likely speed from the damage and force involved. Only a full technical investigation will determine the exact cause.”

“Emergency teams responded within three minutes,” Ogungbemide noted.

Political leaders and community groups have also reacted to the tragedy.

Ogun State 2023 PDP governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, described the incident as a “painful and sobering tragedy” that has cast a shadow over the season.

“Anthony Joshua remains a symbol of courage, discipline, resilience, and national pride. My thoughts and prayers are with him, the bereaved families, and all affected by this unfortunate incident,” Adebutu said.

Similarly, Sagamu Youth Association expressed profound sadness, offering prayers for Joshua’s swift recovery and for the families of the deceased.

“Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and loved ones of the departed during this moment of immeasurable grief,” said the association’s Public Relations Officer, Olakunle Popoola.

Following the crash, the Deputy Head of Mission of the British High Commission, Simon Field, visited Joshua at the Lagos hospital, while Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also monitored his condition.

President Bola Tinubu was briefed on the incident and spoke separately with Joshua and his mother to convey condolences.

As the family awaits permission to see the boxer, Nigerians continue to pray for Anthony Joshua’s recovery and for the swift conclusion of the FRSC’s investigation into the crash that has shocked both the local community and the sporting world.